Ohio’s Division of State Fire Marshal, located in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest established office of its kind in the United States. The Division’s mission is to safeguard the public, its property and the environment from fire and related risks through education, regulation, investigation and enforcement.

The State Fire Marshal's Office has worked extensively in the areas of Incident Command and Management, Weapons of Mass Destruction training, and personnel protection equipment for all of Ohio's first responders, including fire, EMS, law enforcement, health, and public works.

The SFM also is responsible for modernizing, promulgating and enforcing the Ohio Fire Code; designing and presenting fire prevention programs; analyzing fire-related criminal evidence; investigating the cause and origin of fires and explosions; training firefighters; providing fire safety education to business, industry and the general public; regulating underground storage tanks; testing and training; and licensing and certification support services.

Larry Flowers was appointed by Governor John R. Kasich as Ohio’s 37th State Fire Marshal in April 2011. He is responsible for overseeing the Ohio Fire Academy, Fire Forensic Laboratory, Bureaus of Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau, Bureau of Testing/Registration and Bureau of Underground Storage Tanks.

Prior to being named State Fire Marshal, Flowers proudly served the citizens of Ohio as a State Representative from 2001 to 2008, including being chosen as Majority Floor Leader of the House. He also served as the fire chief of the Madison Township Fire Department in Franklin County from 1978 to 2000. Most recently he served as the Madison Township Administrator.

Flowers began his fire service career as a volunteer in 1970 and then becoming a full-time firefighter and paramedic in 1974. (Continue reading here.)

The State Fire Council is an advisory body that represents stakeholders throughout the state and serves as a communication conduit between the Division of State Fire Marshal and the public.

The State Fire Council has many important responsibilities. The Council conducts the review and selection process that results in the appointment of the State Fire Marshal by the Director of Commerce. They conduct research, create reports on fire safety, and recommend to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Board of Building Standards, and other state agencies, any needed changes in laws, rules, or administrative policies relating to fire safety. The Council is also in charge of maintaining the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame.

The State Fire Council is made up of 10 qualified Ohioans appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. These members represent eight stakeholder groups, including the general public, regulated industries, the fire service and local government. Their mission is to help make Ohio safer from the hazards of fire and assist in reducing the regulatory burden on Ohio’s business community.

Nominate a firefighter, fire safety educator or fire service instructor for their act[s] above and beyond their basic duties and responsibilities, and for exemplifying the finest traditions of the fire service.

The State Fire Marshal News gives stakeholders a look inside the Division of State Fire Marshal. With regular columns from the Director of Commerce and the State Fire Marshal, updates from the individual Bureaus and insight into hot button issues for the fire service and first responders, our newsletter is a great way to stay informed.Sign up for media releases and future newslettersVisit our newsletter archives

The Code Enforcement Bureau has primary responsibility for standards set by the Ohio Fire Code. Inspectors work alongside local officials to conduct fire safety inspections to ensure Ohio’s schools, nursing homes and other facilities meet the high standard set by the Ohio Fire Code to safeguard the lives and property of some of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau is a law enforcement agency tasked with investigating the origin and cause of fire, explosions and fireworks incidents in Ohio. Investigators stand ready, 24 hours a day, to assist local fire and police departments in combating the crime of arson and bringing perpetrators to justice.

In 1973, Ohio became the first state in the nation to develop a forensic laboratory specializing in fire and explosive evidence. The Division of State Fire Marshal Forensic Laboratory provides specialized investigative and training services to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across Ohio with professionalism and timely response. The team of scientists and fire specialists at the Forensic Laboratory conduct scientific examinations of ignitable liquids, fire debris, explosives, latent prints and video and audio evidence.